If you’re living with hearing loss or anticipate needing hearing aids in the future, you might have some concerns about how they’ll fit into your lifestyle. Will you still be able to enjoy your favourite activities, like listening to music or having conversations in noisy restaurants? Will hearing aids be comfortable to wear all day? And, of course, a question we often hear is, “Will I still be able to wear my earrings?”
The good news is that, in most cases, you can absolutely rock your favourite earrings while wearing hearing aids, although it’s wise to be mindful of a few things. To help you make informed choices, this blog post will explore ear piercings and how they can coexist with different hearing aid types. We’ll also cover various piercing locations, potential challenges, and tips for keeping your ears healthy and stylish.
Can Ear Piercings Coexist with Hearing Aids?
It’s perfectly natural to wonder how hearing aids might impact your personal style, especially if you love expressing yourself through ear piercings. You might be worried that piercings might interfere with how well your hearing aids work or if the combination is uncomfortable.
Rest assured, many people successfully wear both piercings and hearing aids with no problems. However, it’s true that certain types of piercings require a bit more consideration. Since ear piercings come in a wide variety, ranging from the classic lobe piercing to more intricate cartilage piercings, let’s dive into which ones might require a bit more consideration when wearing hearing aids.
Types of Ear Piercings that Might Affect Hearing Aids
Generally, standard lobe piercings won’t interfere with hearing aids because they are located at the bottom of the earlobe, far from where the hearing aid sits. This allows ample space for the hearing aid to rest comfortably and securely without any obstruction from earrings.
However, piercings located on the outer ear (pinna), especially those involving cartilage, can sometimes pose challenges. These include:
- Auricle: Piercings along the outer rim of the ear.
- Helix: Piercings in the upper cartilage fold of the ear.
- Industrial: Two piercings connected by a single barbell, usually in the upper cartilage.
- Rook: Piercing in the upper inner cartilage of the ear.
- Flat: Piercing in the flat area of cartilage on the upper ear.
- Conch: Piercings in the central bowl-shaped area of the ear’s cartilage.
Why are these types of ear piercings potentially problematic? It all comes down to how hearing aids function. To provide the best sound quality and amplification, hearing aids need to sit snugly within the ear. This creates a seal that prevents sound from leaking out and causing feedback.
However, piercings located on the outer ear, especially those involving cartilage, can disrupt this seal. For example, a helix piercing might interfere with how the hearing aid rests against the ear, while a tragus piercing could obstruct the speaker or microphone. This can lead to a range of issues, including increased feedback, reduced sound quality, and an increased risk of the hearing aid falling out. In such cases, it is best to seek out a professional audiologist who can assess your specific needs and preferences.
Other Factors to Take Note Of
While ear piercings and hearing aids can generally coexist peacefully, it’s crucial to be aware that infected piercings can temporarily affect your hearing. An infection can cause swelling and discomfort, making it difficult to wear a hearing aid.
So, how can you minimise the risk of infection and keep your ears happy and healthy? Here are some essential tips:
- Clean your piercings regularly: This is the golden rule of piercing aftercare. Use a saline solution or antiseptic spray as directed by your piercer. This helps to flush away any bacteria and debris that could lead to an infection. Aim to clean your ear piercings twice a day, especially in the early stages of healing.
- Avoid touching your piercings with dirty hands: Our hands carry countless bacteria, and touching your ear piercings with unwashed hands can introduce those germs directly into the piercing site. Always wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning or touching your piercings.
- Be patient: Allow ample time for your piercings to heal completely before wearing hearing aids or changing your jewellery. Rushing the process can irritate the piercing and increase the risk of infection. Your piercer can give you a good estimate of how long it will take for your specific type of ear piercing to heal.
Embrace Style and Hearing with ListeningLab
Don’t let the need for hearing aids discourage you from expressing yourself with ear piercings. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy both.
At ListeningLab, we understand that adjusting to hearing loss is also about maintaining your lifestyle and confidence. Just as there’s a wide variety of ear piercings to suit different tastes, we offer a diverse range of hearing aids to cater to individual needs and preferences.
For instance, if you’re a music lover, Widex hearing aids are renowned for their natural sound quality and features that enhance musical enjoyment. And for those seeking cutting-edge technology, Signia hearing aids offer innovative solutions that integrate seamlessly with your smartphone and other devices.
Whether you prioritise comfort, aesthetics, or advanced functionality, we can help you find the perfect hearing aids to complement your lifestyle. Contact us today to book an appointment for a hearing aid fitting or send in a general enquiry, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
